If it went out about you this day, isn't it destroyed forever we'd be? Look! The story wouldn't be cast in Macroom when we'd have the bailiffs walking in that door. The whole world knows he is to be priested next June, and only for the great respect they have for us through the means o' that, 'tisn't James McCarthy alone, but every other one o' them would come down on us straight for their money. In one week there wouldn't be a cow left by us, nor a horse, nor a lamb, nor anything at all! . . . Look at them books. 'Tis about time you should know how we stand here. . . . God knows, I wouldn't be hard on you at all, but look at the great load o' money that's on us this day, and mostly all on your account.
Maurice. Mother, don't make my cross harder to bear.
Mrs. Harte. An' would you be seeing a heavier cross put on them that did all that mortal man and woman could do for you?
Maurice. Look! I'll wear the flesh off my bones, but in pity spare me 1Mrs. Harte. And will you have no pity at all on us and on Owen here, that have slaved for you all our lives ?
Maurice. Mother! Mother!
Mrs. Harte. You'll go back? 'Tis only a mistake?
Maurice. Great God of Heaven 1 . . . you'll kill me.
Michael. You'll go back, Maurice? The vocation will come to you in time with the help of God. It will, surely.
Maurice. Don't ask me! Don't ask me!
